Acts 3:3-4

“When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money.  Peter looked straight at him, as did John. …”

In this passage Peter and John were entering the Temple for an important meeting launching the New Testament Church. Sitting close to the entrance was a beggar, and scripture points out something interesting.  It says that Peter and John “looked straight at him”.  That verse caught my attention…  because I often don’t. 

Sometimes when I see someone in need I look away, making sure I don’t catch their eye. This causes me to miss opportunities to minister because, unlike Peter and John, I’m not looking for them. Instead of being eager to spontaneously share the love of God, I find myself either busy or uncomfortable.  This makes me a hypocrite, praying I will be used by God as I rush past His children while they beg for help. 

As a Christian, I should understand that I’m more likely to have opportunities to witness on my way to church - than once I arrive. And I miss those opportunities when I’m not looking for them. The battlefield for evangelism is in offices, restaurants, classrooms, and public gatherings. Jesus said His disciples will be recognized by the way they love… and you can’t love someone if you’re not willing to look at them.

The next few verses in this passage show the importance of John and Peter noticing the beggar. God uses this crippled man to attract people so Peter could preach the gospel -  and that doesn’t happen unless Peter and John stop and look into his eyes.  

They didn’t see this meeting as uncomfortable, because they saw him as a child of God… They didn’t see his handicap, his skin color, nor his political affiliation … They saw a man that God loves, in need of help. They looked him in the eye, and gave him the truth about his condition, and a way for him to be healed.  

That is our job as well.  Love your neighbor enough to instinctively introduce them to your Savior. Don’t overlook your ministry as you’re rushing into church… love broken people…. You can find them everywhere, but you won’t see them if you don’t look at them. 

“God forbid that I should travel with anybody a quarter of an hour without speaking of Christ to them.” – George Whitefield

Deuteronomy 1:37 1/20/2026

"Because of you the Lord became angry with me also and said, “You shall not enter it, either.”

Moses blames the Israelites for Gods anger toward him … He implies that the conduct of the Israelites was what got him in trouble, and that it was their fault that he was excluded from the Promised Land. 

That’s odd because in Numbers 27:14 God told Moses (and Aaron) exactly why they would not be allowed into the promised land -  and it was their disobedience, not the Israelites’, that got them excluded. Seven chapters earlier in Numbers 20, we see that God commanded Moses to speak to a rock to bring forth water. However, in frustration and drama, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff. God caused water to come out of the rock but was displeased with Moses and declared that he would not cross the Jordan.

So, today’s verse makes it seem like Moses was struggling with confessing and owning his own sin. He sounds a little like Adam did in the garden when Adam blamed the women that God gave him for his sin.  

So, what’s the lesson here? ….I think  it is noteworthy when the first created human, and a Hall of Fame Prophet both stumble in the same way. When we read that, we should probably see if we are prone to falling into the same temptation. If these mighty men’s response to failure was to blame others – we could be tempted to do the same. 

So, think about it… Who was to blame for your last big failure? Who was wrong in that argument you had with your spouse?  Whose fault is it that you missed that promotion at work? Do you automatically default to being the victim… or do you face your failures head-on and own them? 

The problem with blaming others is that you can’t change a problem that’s not yours.  That is why God demands confession…. It’s not for Him, He already knows your sin – but He wants to make sure you know it too… Because to change a problem you must first acknowledge that it’s yours. You must confess it – repent from it – and by the power of the Holy Spirit who sets us free from the power of sin - change it. 

“When you blame others, you give up your power to change.”
-  Robert Anthony 

Proverbs 27: 21 1/13/2026

Proverbs 27: 21 

“The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, And each is tested by the praise accorded him.”

Read that verse again… There is a curve ball in this passage that, if you’re not careful,  you will miss. It speaks of being tested in a furnace, which most assume is describing difficult times … but that assumption is incorrect… The test referred to in this verse is the PRAISE we receive from others. 

Most of us don’t view receiving compliments as risky… which is what makes them hazardous. We don’t recognize adulation from others as dangerous, yet this verse tells us we are evaluated by how we react to it.  We acknowledge that excessive praise can mislead others yet readily accept things we want to believe about ourselves.

This verse applies to individuals and to the Church as a whole… When under persecution the church is lean, focused, and ready for action. But when not being challenged, the church can become dull and lazy.  Individually, we react in the same way…. When we are under fire, we cling to our Savior and spend time with Him and His word.  But when we are commended by others, we tend to become self-impressed and pursue man’s approval instead of God’s.   

What about you? How do you respond to praise? Consider that question and answer it honestly, knowing that God is not fooled by false humility, and sees your heart clearly.  

Do you pass all praise on to your creator? Is your default reaction gratitude to God for whatever success comes your way… or do you sometimes think God should be appreciative of your effort and abilities?

If you are wise, you will receive compliments cautiously. It is wonderful to be appreciated and loved by others, but it is dangerous for you to enthusiastically embrace their flattery.  Self-aggrandizement and self-abasement are two sides of the same coin, and they both have the same problem… “self”.  

You must decrease and He must increase. The beauty of a painting is created solely by the talent of the Artist. You were created, from nothing, by the greatest Artist of all time. Keep that in mind the next time you’re complimented, and you won’t get tripped up wondering where the beauty in your life comes from. 

"Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less." 
-  C.S. Lewis

1 Timothy 4:12 1/6/2026

“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” 

I have always loved this verse as it gave me courage when I was young to stand on my convictions. But I’m older now so I must look at this verse from the other side. I must be careful not to discount someone because they are young, and haven’t yet, had the opportunity to receive some of the “life scars” I carry.

I am prone to condescendingly nod my head at youngsters - while thinking “they’ll learn soon enough”. But Paul tells Timothy not to allow that… He indicates that God is not reliant on age or the “wisdom of this world” when it comes to using people to build His Kingdom.  

I was “all in” when I was younger, intolerant of condescension when it was directed towards me. Now I need to be responsive to looking at it when I am the one who is being told not to condescend. I need to see God’s gifts in others as readily as I acknowledge His gifts to me and realize that God is not limited by age when providing wisdom.

This verse calls for humility, even when I am pretty sure about my position. God uses young and old, male and female, Greek and Jew… I should remember that a thousand years is like one day to the Lord, so I doubt my few years of experience impresses Him much. 

God is no respecter of persons… that is a hard pill to swallow when I realize that includes me. God is not impressed with my talents, abilities, or wisdom … Why would He be? He is the one who gave them to me. This verse indicates He is more interested in my speech and conduct being filled with love, faith, and purity, regardless of my age.

Like most vices I have, my refusal to respect and listen to others is based on a puffed-up opinion of myself. The God that loves me dearly, also loves my brothers and sisters of all ages and backgrounds… I would be wise to follow suit and love them as well... and that means valuing their input.

“The excitement of learning separates youth from old age. As long as you're learning you're not old.” - Rosalyn Yalow